The Constitution as a religious text
I am a student and resident of the North Shore. This e-mail is in response to the “flood of pleas for equality” by supporters of House Bill 444 (“Letters to the Editor,” 1/27). I am disheartened by such statements made by my fellow Hawaii residents. I acknowledge that every human being has a right to express their feelings and opinions, to fight for what they believe in. However, I feel our nation and state has and continues to suffer from a severe case of intolerance that blinds persons to the point where they no longer care to understand the other.
I am a minority in all senses of the word: Samoan, Latter-day Saint, student, 24-years-old and female. In my short, young-adult life I have experienced inequality as well.
I attended the rally. Being compared to white supremacists, religious fanatics and having not only my own but others’ beliefs mocked and villanized was heartbreaking. Good people who oppose HB 444 attended that rally; it was a peaceful demonstration. Not one person mentions the fact that a HB 444 supporter attacked Sen. Gabbard at the rally, holding a sign that said “LOVE, TOLERANCE & EQUALITY.”
The Constitution of the United States was constructed by religious men. To negate the importance of religious belief in political choices is to ignore what make us who we are. Supporters and adherents to traditional marriage are NOT a minority. These statements can be further explained by myself personally or by others who oppose HB 444. That is, of course, if one is willing to listen. Do not misrepresent us.
Matapuna Mailo
Waialua
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